The Wheel of the Year

In many cultures, the seasonal changes are points that mark the passage of time through the year. Initially based on the Solistices and Equinoxes, they grew to include the "Cross Quarters", or midway points between them as well. These 8 points on what we call the Wheel of the Year, provide opportunities to pause and take note of our progress and to pay attention to our internal seasons as we move through our lives. Coming as they do, about every six weeks, they are also great reminders to have some fun and celebrate life as well.

This chart shows the key points through the year and their significance. We don't yet have events coinciding with all of the dates in the year, but we are moving toward that as Live Between the Worlds continues to grow.

Holiday	Date	Significance
Yule	Dec 21-23	Winter Solstice - "The Longest Night" (and shortest day) of the year. This is a time of gathering to share warmth, firelight, gifts and a feast, as together we brace for the deepest part of winter still ahead. On a spiritual level, it is a time to acknowledge the inklings of new beginnings. Just as the Sun is at it's turning point, about to grow minutely stronger each day, our own inner shifts are also occuring.
Imbolc	Feb 1-2	Sometimes called "Lady's Day" or Groundhog's Day. This usually marks the first signs of spring. Though winter still has it's hold, we're moving on toward the warmer days ahead. Often celebrated with firelight, water is also included in rites to note the beginning of the spring thaw and the freshening of the streams & wells. Internally, we feel the building of energy as we begin planning our our year ahead.
Ostara	Mar 21-23	The Vernal Equinox - A time of balance. Days and nights are of nearly equal length. We are halfway between the deepest part of winter and the hottest days of summer. As nature blooms all around us, our spiritual journey embraces revitalization and the harmonizing balance of our physical self with our divine self.
Beltane	May 1-2	"May Day" - A time to celebrate the lusty energy of nature's fertility! Dance around the May Pole, leap the balefire, kiss someone! Revel in being alive, while absorbing that energy down into the deepest parts of you. Let it add vigor to your creativity and passion to your spiritual journey.
Misdummer	Jun 21-23	Summer Solstice - The height of the Sun's energy. The days are long, hot and about to get hotter. It's the season for high energy growth, soaking up the warm rays, reveling in the world of nature and outdoor celebrations. It's also a time to let the bond between your physical self and your spiritual being flourish. Play some drums, dance around a bonfire or take a long hike in the forest!
Lammas	Aug 1-2	The "Early Harvest" - Even though summer still has a long way to go, we're at the turning point and can feel the lessening of the Sun's strength. Still, there's a lot of light left for being outdoors and beginning to reap the benefits of this year's harvest. Internally, take stock of what you are harvesting in your spiritual practice. Acknowledge it and see what more you feel called to.
Mabon	Sept 21-23	Autumn Equinox - Another time of balance. As the harvest season goes into full swing, the world turns golden with the long rays of fall sunlight. The evenings get chilly and we know that another year is drawing to a close. This is a time to share celebrations of the year that is passing, as well as making preparations for the coming of winter. Our inner focus starts turning toward introspection and honoring the wisdom of the elders.
Samhain	Oct 31 - Nov 1	"All Hallows" or Halloween as it is sometimes called - A time to honor those who have departed. The end of the year has come, and with it, an awareness that the cycle of Life, Death and Rebirth is a nessessary process in both the physical and spiritual realms. We take pause to remember those who have passed on while we seek their comfort and wisdom. This is also the turning point, the beginning of the New Year and the "Wheel" turns again.